Spring First-Year Road to UM Checklist

In addition to this quick-reference checklist, we will be providing task details and sharing important information through Road to UM modules, emails, and webinars to connect you to campus before you arrive.

Expand the checklist items below for more information on the tasks. Be sure to check back regularly, follow recommended due dates, and continue to monitor your UM email for important communications.

We can't wait to meet you, go 'Canes!

• Get ready to start your first course - The Road to UM

  This graded online course is located in Blackboard, UM’s student learning portal. It will include six modules that will guide you through the steps to be completed before your arrival to campus, and three more to be completed in your first semester.

  You will be notified via your UM email once the course becomes available. Keep an eye on your inbox for this! You will also receive an email each time a new module is added to the course. Modules will be assigned as they become relevant to your journey on the Road to UM, along with due dates for each. Stay on track and up-to-date to ensure a smooth transition to your first year at UM.

• Immediately: Set up your @miami.edu email and check it daily

  Details, including a screen recording of the process listed below, will be covered in Road to UM Module 1.

  You will be notified when your UM email has been assigned. Once assigned, all University information will be sent there, rather than your personal email address. This includes information on registration appointments, financial aid, billing, grades, and student life. 

  Be sure to follow the instructions for accessing your UM email and to check it daily. 

  1. Set up your Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA), an additional level of security. If you have not yet been prompted to do so, you will have to set up your MFA authentication in order to access your UM email. To enroll, visit caneid.miami.edu and click “Enroll in Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA).” If you have trouble setting up your MFA, contact the UM Information Technology (UMIT) Support Center at 305-284-6565 or itsupportcenter@miami.edu.
  2. Set up your UM email. Visit mail.miami.edu and sign in with your Cane ID username and password. Link your UM email account to the email address you use most. 
  3. Link your UM email to your mobile device. For instructions, visit miami.edu/mobileconfig.

• Immediately: Confirm your contact information in CaneLink

  Details are covered in Road to UM Module 1. 

  Keeping your contact information up to date in CaneLink is critical in cases of emergency, extreme weather, and University notifications. Follow the steps below to verify your contact information is correct.

  1. In CaneLink, select General Information under the My Profile drop down menu.
  2. Confirm your permanent address, mobile number, and emergency contact information. The emergency contact information provided should be that of a parent, guardian, or responsible family member.

  For a guide on navigating CaneLink, visit canelink.it.miami.edu.

• Immediately: Set up proxy access in CaneLink

  Road to UM Module 1 will cover how to set up proxy access.

  You can grant your parent(s) and/or other individuals access to your information in CaneLink. This is called proxy access. You can grant them access to important information about your academics, financials, and/or billing. We recommend that you grant access to anyone who manages your tuition payments. You always control what’s shared and can make changes anytime.

  For more information, visit miami.edu/canelinkproxy.

• Immediately: Check for any Holds in CaneLink

  Details and instruction on checking for Holds will be covered in Road to UM Module 1.

  Holds on your CaneLink account may prevent you from registering for classes. Check your Holds on CaneLink and submit any pending documents now. Continue to monitor this until you arrive on campus.

• Immediately: Students that have a Social Security card, upload it through our secure portal

  All students with a social security number (SSN) are required by law to submit this information to the University due to federal tax regulations. Uploading your card through UM’s secure portal is the most efficient way to ensure you complete this important step. A missing SSN may result in a hold being placed on your CaneLink account and can impact the disbursement of your aid, access to campus employment, issuance of your tax documentation, and future course registration. If you plan to work on-campus during your undergraduate career, please make sure you bring your Social Security card with you, as you will be required to present the physical card for employment verification. For more information about document requirements for student employment, refer to the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services website. 

• Immediately: International students in F-1 or J-1 status should ensure the required documents for issuance of the Form I-20 (F-1 visa) or Form DS-2019 (J-1 visa) have been submitted

  Once you deposit, the documents required for issuance will be added as Checklist items in your Applicant Portal.

  Be sure you have, scanned and uploaded the following to your Applicant Portal:

  - Biographical page of your passport

  - Bank letter/government sponsorship letter or online bank statement (no older than six months) stating the availability of $79,160 U.S. dollars (sample letter)

  - Sponsorship letter from the bank account holder stating that the funds are available to cover your tuition and expenses

  - SEVIS Transfer form, form I-94, if attending high school or another university in F-1 status

  Visit isss.miami.edu to prepare for your arrival, and for information about travel and entry into the United States.

• Immediately: Complete financial assistance To Do list items

  Road to UM Module 2 will cover how to check your To Do List items in CaneLink.

  The University cannot award financial assistance until all required documentation is received and reviewed by the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment (OSFAE). Completing your To Do List items by the recommended due date will help ensure that your bill is accurate.

  Important reminders:

  • Check your UM email often for award notifications or requests for more information from OSFAE.
  • Confirm terms and conditions for financial assistance at miami.edu/terms.
  • Finalize your registration plans before February 2 to avoid disbursement issues due to insufficient enrollment. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 12 credits to ensure eligibility for all financial assistance.

  To view your financial aid and accept/decline/reduce loans:

  1. In CaneLink open the Financials dropdown from the menu and select View Financial Aid.
  2. Select the 2021+ aid year to reach the financial aid student portal. Documents received or requested will be displayed on the home page.
  3. On the home page, click the drop-down menu in the upper left-hand corner.
  4. Click Accept Awards to accept/decline/reduce all or any portion of your awards and loan offers. To reduce a loan award, update the amount in the box and change from Pending to Accept, then Submit.

• Immediately: If entering the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa, pay the SEVIS fee and apply for a student visa immediately upon receipt of I-20 or DS-2019

  Prompt attention to these steps will minimize delays with your student visa.

  • Review your I-20 (F-1) or DS-2019 (J-1) form. Contact the Office of Undergraduate Admission at admission@miami.edu if you have any questions.
  • Pay your I-901 SEVIS fee at fmjfee.com. Print the fee receipt as proof of payment and take it with you to your visa appointment and when you travel to the United States.
  • Apply for a student visa to enter the United States (citizens of Canada and Bermuda are exempt). Student visas cannot be obtained in the United States.

  
  For information on how to apply for an F or J visa, as well as approximate wait times for visa interviews and application processing, visit state.gov.

• Immediately: Follow the instructions from your school or college to prepare for course registration

  Further details found in Road to UM Module 3.

  Each of the University’s schools and colleges has a specific program of course registration and academic advising.

  Your school or college will email you directly with details about registration and advising. School-specific instructions to register for courses and step-by-step videos on how to register for classes in CaneLink are available at miami.edu/newstudentregister.

  Bills are generated on December 6. Make sure you are enrolled in at least 12 credits by Dcember 5 so your bill can accurately reflect your full-time enrollment.

• Immediately to November 15 (recommended): For advising purposes, submit your dual enrollment course credit, official AP/IB scores, and complete any course placement or entrance exams required

  Further details found in Road to UM Module 3.

  To ensure that you can enroll in the appropriate class levels, submit your test scores by the recommended deadline, when applicable.

  1. Submit scores and/or grades for AP, IB, and dual enrollment course credit.
     
     To have Advanced Placement (AP), International Baccalaureate (IB) Level HL, and College-Level Examination Program (CLEP) scores evaluated for University credit, have your scores sent directly to the Office of Undergraduate Admission from the College Board, your regional IB office, or previously attended institution(s), respectively, as soon as the scores are available.

     All exam scores must be sent directly from the appropriate testing agency. For College Board (AP and CLEP), the University of Miami’s school code is 5815.

     A minimum grade of a “C” is required for consideration of dual enrollment courses, and no more than 60 credits will be accepted from these programs.

     For a list of credit equivalencies, visit miami.edu/creditequiv.

  2. Take the Math Placement Exam, if needed.
     The below information will provide you with a general understanding of Math Placement. 

     If you were admitted with SAT/ACT, your score may be used for math placement. If a higher-level math placement is desired, you can opt to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment for consideration.

     If you have an approved AP Calculus score of 3 or 4, your result may be used for math placement. If a higher-level math placement is desired, you can opt to take the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment for consideration.

     If you were admitted without an SAT/ACT or attended high school outside of the United States, you must complete the ALEKS Math Placement Assessment for math placement.
     
     

     Please click here for more details about ALEKS, to schedule an assessment, and to understand how you will be placed.

• Immediately to December 1: Notify the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment of any outside scholarship award information

  More information in Road to UM Module 2.

  Outside resources such as outside scholarships and veterans’ benefits must be considered when calculating your eligibility for some need-based aid and, in the case of veterans’ benefits, eligibility for institutional need-based aid. Submitting this information by the recommended due date will ensure your bill is accurate.

  Please submit the Outside Scholarship Documentation Submission Form to the Office of Student Financial Assistance and Employment.

  Checks should be mailed to:

  University of Miami
  P.O. Box 025551, Location 20
  Miami, FL 33102-55551

• Immediately to December 1: Submit a request for disability accommodations, if applicable

  The deadline to guarantee review of disability accommodations requests for the spring semester is December 1.

  All housing, meals, parking, and Emotional Support Animal (ESA) requests must also be received by December 1. Requests received after this date will be processed for the next term.

  Students with disabilities seeking accommodations must complete an online Accommodation Request Form and submit current and comprehensive documentation of the disability.

• Immediately to December 1 (recommended): If using VA educational benefits, contact the VA Certifying Official

  More information in Road to UM Module 2.

  Veterans or dependents of veterans may be entitled to VA educational benefits under Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, and 1606. Submitting this information by the recommended due date will ensure your bill is accurate.

  Complete information on submitting enrollment documentation can be found at miami.edu/veteransaffairs. Submit your documents to UM’s Certifying Official at veterans@miami.edu by December 1. You may also contact them at 305-284-8682.

  Veterans benefits may be considered a resource when determining eligibility for need-based institutional assistance. For additional information, contact a financial aid advisor at 305-284-6000.

• Immediately to December 1 (recommended): If applying for loans, finalize your applications

  Instructions available in Road to UM Module 2.

  For loan options, visit Parent PLUS Loans at studentaid.gov or for private loans visit elmselect.com. Submitting this information by the recommended due date will ensure your bill is accurate.

• Immediately to December 15: Complete and submit proof of immunizations

   All students are required to complete and present proof of immunization no later than December 15.

  • Visit miami.edu/immunizations to print out the form and have your medical provider complete an immunization compliance form.
  • Log in and enter all immunization information at MyUHealthChart.com for verification.
  • Upload the completed immunization form. If you plan to live on campus, you will also be asked to document that you have received or were informed of the hepatitis and meningococcal meningitis immunizations.

• Immediately to January 7 (recommended): If your tuition is paid by a third-party sponsor, submit your Financial Guarantee Letter

  Further details in Road to UM Module 4.

  If your tuition is paid by a third-party or government sponsor, you must submit a current Financial Guarantee Letter from the sponsor to thirdparty.osas@miami.edu before the start of each semester, so that your bill is paid by the deadline.

  For more information, visit miami.edu/sponsor.

• Immediately to January 7: If using Florida Prepaid funds, submit the Authorization Form

  Further details found in Road to UM Module 4.

  To have your Florida Prepaid funds applied to your cost of attendance submit the authorization form.

• Immediately to January 10: U.S. citizens, last day to accept or waive University-sponsored health insurance

  Further details found in Road to UM Module 4.

  All full-time students are required to have comprehensive health insurance coverage, whether through the University’s plan or a personal plan.

  U.S. citizens must choose to accept or waive the University plan coverage and fee as soon as possible and no later than January 7. For instructions on how to waive the University plan coverage, visit miami.edu/newstudenthealth.

  For more information, visit the Student Health Center’s page.

• Immediately to January 10: Pay your tuition invoice

  Payment options and how to pay your bill are covered in Road to UM Module 4.

  Once you accept or decline your financial aid awards, you can view and pay any remaining balance in CaneLink.

  Failure to pay your tuition by the deadline will interfere with your ability to move into on-campus housing in the fall and may result in the cancellation of your enrollment. 

  The Monthly Payment Plan (MPP) option divides your educational expenses— tuition, fees, on-campus housing, and meal plan expenses—into monthly payments during the fall and spring semesters.

  • Participants are billed in equal monthly installments. A nonrefundable 3 percent administration fee is charged and added on to the monthly payments.
  • Payment plan installments are scheduled and automatically deducted each month.
  • Financial aid requirements must be finalized before signing up for the MPP.

  Payment options:

  1. In-person at the Cashier’s Window:
     1307 Stanford Drive Student Services Building, Room 125
     Coral Gables, FL 33146
  2. Online via CaneLink:
     —Credit cards (a 2.3% service fee is applied)
     —Wire payments
     —Online checks
  3. By mail to:
     University of Miami
     P.O. Box 025551
     Location 20
     Miami, FL 33102-5551

  
  Questions about billing or payments? Contact 'Canes Central.

• November 1 to December 1: Complete Modules 1 - 3 of the Road to UM course in Blackboard

  In Modules 1-3, you will learn about various systems and processes that are relevant to beginning your journey on the Road to UM. 

  • Module 1 - Getting Online at the U: We will walk you through how to set up your UM email, Multi-Factor Authentication, and link your account to your mobile device. You will also be introduced to CaneLink, the University’s student portal.
  • Module 2 - Finacial Services: Everything you need to know about financial services at UM, including identifying your financial awards, locating financial information in CaneLink, reviewing incomplete documents, and accepting, reducing or declining student loans.
  • Module 3 - Course Registration: Learn things you need to know before registering. This includes understanding how the registration process is different in each of our nine schools and colleges, discovering the value of the Academic Bulletin, UM course equivalencies, the importance of a full-time course load, searching and registering for classes, and more.

  Stay on track and up-to-date to ensure a smooth transition to your first year at UM.

• November 1 to December 1 (priority deadline): Make housing arrangements, on or off-campus, based on the criteria listed here

  Non-local students currently deposited for Spring 2022

  If you are a currently deposited student for Spring 2022 with a permanent address outside Miami-Dade or Broward counties (as listed on the Common Application), please follow the instructions below to complete your housing application. All non-local, first-year students are required to live in University housing for two academic semesters, as long as space is available.

  Once you deposit, you will be emailed login information for CaneLink, the University’s admitted student portal. Access the On-Campus Housing Portal via CaneLink by selecting the Housing and Dining dropdown from the menu. You will be required to pay $500 housing prepayment via credit card as part of the housing application process. The prepayment will be applied to your University student account toward your housing charges.

  Due to limited availability, we recommend applying as early as possible for housing. Students who apply early receive greater priority for selecting rooms, making room changes, and receiving earlier room selection appointment times for future academic years. After the December 1 priority deadline, and due to the limited availability for Spring 2022, on-campus housing applications will be accepted on a space-available basis. 

  A sample housing agreement, an application tutorial, and housing rates for the coming year are available on the housing website. 

  Find a Roommate

  The housing application includes a section where you can complete a roommate profile by answering a series of questions about your lifestyle preferences, academic and social pursuits, and other roommate-related topics. If you would like to join the roommate search process, you’ll be assigned a username and asked to provide a brief description of yourself. The program then suggests potential roommates based on your responses and mutually confirmed roommates create a roommate group.

  See someone you like? Email them. The deadline to confirm each other as roommates is December 1, but if you have not done so by that date, you can still submit a mutual request to the Department of Housing and Residential Life at housing@miami.edu. Roommate requests are unfortunately not guaranteed.

  ---

  Local First-Year or Transfer students deposited or admitted for Spring 2022

  Students listed with a Miami-Dade or Broward Counties permanent address on the Common Application must explore off-campus housing and consider purchasing a commuter meal plan. You may choose to submit an on-campus housing application and your name will automatically be added to the housing waitlist. In the unlikely event on-campus housing becomes available, you will be notified no earlier than late December.

  ---

  All First-Year or Transfer student admitted after November 1

  Explore off-campus housing and consider purchasing a commuter meal plan.You may choose to submit an on-campus housing application and your name will automatically be added to the housing waitlist. In the unlikely event on-campus housing becomes available, you will be notified no earlier than late December.

• November 1: Choose a meal plan

  First-year residents must choose between the unlimited meal plan, 19-meal plan, or 14-meal plan. If you do not select one, you will automatically be signed up for the unlimited meal plan.

  Follow the steps in the housing application tutorial to make your selection.

  You will be able to make changes to your plan in CaneLink/Housing Portal up to two days before housing opens. You can also email diningservices@miami.edu to make a change prior to the end of the first week of classes.

  Students living off-campus may choose from any of the residential and commuter meal plans. To sign up, email diningservices@miami.edu and provide your full name, student number, and meal plan choice.

  Questions? Email diningservices@miami.edu.

• November 1: Register for 'Cane Kickoff Orientation

  All new students must register for and attend ’Cane Kickoff, the mandatory orientation for undergraduate first-year and transfer students. Once you pay your enrollment deposit, you will have access to register through CaneLink.

• November 15: Deadline to request a change through the Applicant Portal

  Submit the Change of Major Request form in the Applicant Portal. Submission of the form does not guarantee your major will be changed. Undergraduate Admission will email you regarding your approval status as soon as possible.

  If your major is in the Frost School of Music or the School of Architecture and you did not submit standardized test scores, you will not be able to change your major out of your respective school until after you have completed a year of courses at the University of Miami.

• November 29: Commuter students, consider purchasing a campus parking pass

  Applying early gives you access to the most parking options. Check your UM email frequently in the upcoming weeks for information about parking on campus. Visit miami.edu/parking for parking rates and information on campus shuttles, public transit, carpooling, and UBike.

• December 1 to January 9: Complete Modules 4-6 of the Road to UM course in Blackboard

  In Modules 4-6, we cover key topics that are relevant to your imminent arrival on campus. 

  • Module 4 - Understanding and Paying Your Bill: We review items that could affect your bill, help you understand different payment methods, and you'll learn how to pay your bill successfully.
  • Module 5 - Students Rights and Responsibilities: This module focuses on the University’s Honor Code, students’ rights to privacy (FERPA), conduct code, and Alcohol, Drug & Sexual Assault Prevention Education.
  • Module 6 - Health & Wellness: It's important to prioritize your health and wellness during your academic career. In this module we review the resources available to you on campus such as the counseling center, health and wellness programs, the Herbert Wellness Center, and more.

  Stay on track and up-to-date to ensure a smooth transition to your first year at UM.

• December 5 (recommended): Finalize course registration

  Finalize your course registration by December 5 so your bill accurately reflects your tuition charges. School-specific instructions to register for courses and are available on the New Student Registration Timeline.

• January 1 to January 30 (recommended): Consider enrolling in direct deposit  

  Instructions are found in Road to UM Module 4.

  Have your refunds deposited directly into your checking or savings account. A direct deposit enrollment guide is available on the Office of Student Accounts website. Note, only U.S. bank accounts can be used for this service.

• January 5 (recommended): If entering the United States on an F-1 or J-1 visa, familiarize yourself with U.S. entry procedures

  Prepare for your arrival, including information about travel and entry into the United States. Visit isss.miami.edu for additional information.

  Entering the United States

  When traveling to the United States, carry your original Form I-20 or DS-2019 along with your passport, visa, and I-901 SEVIS fee receipt. Do not put these documents in your checked baggage.

  Present your documents to a U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer at the U.S. port of entry when you arrive. You may arrive no earlier than 30 days before, and no later than the start date listed on your Form I-20 or DS-2019.

• January 10: Familiarize yourself with the University's academic calendar

  Details can be found in Road to UM Module 3.

  The Academic Calendar is an important resource every semester. It lists important University-wide dates and deadlines like the first and last day of classes, holidays, and final exam schedules. Be sure to bookmark it for easy reference!

• January 11: Arrival and move-in for new international and exchange students

  When you arrive on campus for 'Cane Kickoff, there are five key things you’ll need to do: 

  1. If you'll be living on campus, check in to your housing assignment on January 11. Follow the steps that will be emailed to you as your arrival date gets closer.
  2. Pick up your 'Cane Card before check-in at Canes Central or be given a temporary card at your front desk. Your ’Cane Card is the official on-campus identification card at UM. All students are required to carry their ’Cane Card for identification purposes while on campus.
     The 'Cane Card is also needed to:
     - Access buildings, residential areas, the library, and wellness center
     - Borrow books from the library
     - Access athletic events
     - Pay for food at various dining locations on campus
  3. Check in for the 'Cane Kickoff orientation program.  Details will be sent to your UM Email.
  4. Participate in the mandatory International Student Orientation or Compulsory Session for Exchange Students held on January 12.
  5. Review all To Do items in CaneLink and/or this Road to UM checklist to ensure there are no outstanding tasks before classes begin.

• January 12: Arrival and move-in for new domestic residential students

  When you arrive on campus for 'Cane Kickoff, there are four key things you’ll need to do: 

  1. If you'll be living on campus, check in to your housing assignment on January 12. Follow the steps that will be emailed to you as your arrival date gets closer.
  2. Pick up your 'Cane Card before check-in at Canes Central or be given a temporary card at your front desk. Your ’Cane Card is the official on-campus identification card at UM. All students are required to carry their ’Cane Card for identification purposes while on campus.
     The 'Cane Card is also needed to:
     - Access buildings, residential areas, the library, and wellness center
     - Borrow books from the library
     - Access athletic events
     - Pay for food at various dining locations on campus
  3. Check in for the 'Cane Kickoff orientation program.  Details will be sent to your UM Email.
  4. Review all To Do items in CaneLink and/or this Road to UM checklist to ensure there are no outstanding tasks before classes begin.

• January 13: Arrival for commuter/off-campus students

  When you arrive on campus for 'Cane Kickoff, there are three key things you’ll need to do: 

  1. Pick up your 'Cane Card before check-in at Canes Central or be given a temporary card at your front desk. Your ’Cane Card is the official on-campus identification card at UM. All students are required to carry their ’Cane Card for identification purposes while on campus.
     The 'Cane Card is also needed to:
     - Access buildings, residential areas, the library, and wellness center
     - Borrow books from the library
     - Access athletic events
     - Pay for food at various dining locations on campus
  2. Check in for the 'Cane Kickoff orientation program.  Details will be sent to your UM Email.
  3. Review all To Do items in CaneLink and/or this Road to UM checklist to ensure there are no outstanding tasks before classes begin.

• January 13 to January 15: Participate in ’Cane Kickoff Orientation

  All new students must attend 'Cane Kickoff, the mandatory orientation for undergraduate first-year and transfer students.

• January 15: Deadline to complete Part 1 of the AlcoholEdu & Sexual Assault Prevention course

  Further details found in Road to UM Module 5.

  All incoming students are required to complete online EverFi courses addressing substance abuse, sexual assault prevention, and diversity topics. Failure to complete any portion of the courses will result in your inability to register for spring courses.

  Course links will be sent to your UM email mid-December. If you do not receive the link, email campusclarity@miami.edu from your UM email address for access. Courses must be completed before classes begin to avoid a registration hold.

  For more information regarding the online course requirement, visit miami.edu/doso.